Vienna – Sanctions and any other politically motivated restrictions are harmful for all sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday at a meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen.
Putin added that Russia had overcome all difficulties connected to such measures taken by Western nations.
“Sanctions, any politically motivated restrictions, protectionism all these instruments to solve political issues are ultimately unsuitable for achieving a final result.
“They are harmful for everyone, for those who initiate them, and for those against whom they are directed.
“I want to assure you that Russia has overcome all the difficulties connected with external restrictions.
“A few years ago it was not easy for us, bearing in mind that we simultaneously faced a substantial – two-fold – drop in prices on the goods of our traditional exports.
“Nevertheless, we have not only maintained macroeconomic stability, but also strengthened it,’’ Putin said.
According to the Russian president all the sides are interested in removing sanctions, including Russia.
“We are open and ready to work together. Gradually, little by little, this work is being recovered, we see it.
“We have consultations and dialogue with representatives from Brussels in a number of areas.
“These talks, in my opinion, are very constructive, although not easy. But, I repeat, not only Russia, but also our European friends are interested in restoring the full-scale work,’’ Putin said.
The president stressed that Russia has achieved a “stable, though yet very modest” economy growth.
“As you know, we have achieved the minimal in the history of modern Russia inflation rate – 2.5 per cent.
“We have the minimum unemployment rate, it has already fallen below 5 per cent, we also have gold and foreign currency reserves.
“We have a positive balance of foreign trade amounting to $130 billion. Investments in fixed assets are growing at a rapid pace – 4.4 per cent,’’ Putin said.
He added that anti-Moscow sanctions and restrictions do not prevent Russia from developing relations with Austria and implement all the planned projects. (Sputnik/NAN)
